How to Bond With You New Cat

Do you have a new kitty? Or did you adopt an older cat? When a new cat comes home, you may find them finding peace in solitary. It’s up to you, the pet parent, to form a bond with your new cat! These tips from PetMD will help you build a long-lasting bond with your cat by “speaking their language.” Rice Village is here to answer any questions you have about your new feline friend, so give us a call!

Sing to her. In your little kitty voice. Whether you have talent or not. She doesn’t care!

Greet her. Tell her “hi” and say her name, even if you just saw her a minute ago. She’s choosing to be near you, which is a big deal to a cat.

Meow back. Imitate her sound exactly, and she’ll think you’re one of her kind. Carry on a conversation. She meows, you talk. Just make up what she’s asking and answer what you think she wants to know.

Tell her what she wants to hear. Cats seem to know what the word “beautiful” means, especially in reference to them. Hearing it makes them very content.

The head bump. It’s her way of saying hello, by using the oil glands in front of her ears to greet you and leave her scent on you, as if you’re a cat. She sees you as one of her clan, so bump her right back.

The butt presentation. When your cat backs up to your face and lifts her tail, she’s waiting for you, her mom, to clean her. If you gently blow at her rear end, she’ll think that this is what your cleaning style is and will go on about her business.

Kneading you or “making biscuits.” If you maneuver yourself into the right position, you’ll get a free massage out of this one. This is another sign that Kitty-Face thinks you’re her mom, since she’s trying to get milk out of you. It also means she’s happy.

Licking you. Your cat may think you taste good, but grooming is actually a social practice to establish a common scent among a clan of cats. In other words, she’s claiming you as one of her own. The exfoliation is an extra added bonus.

Gumming you. This is another way Kitty-Face blends her own scent with yours, establishing a common “family scent.” Take advantage of it by feeling all of her teeth to gain her trust for when you actually need to be in her mouth.

Give her a neck massage. Kitties are very alert and watchful, holding their head up almost constantly. Relax her with a gentle neck massage to pamper her.

Hold her hand. Stroke her paw, both on top and underneath on her toe pads, and loosely wrap your hand around her paw. This should feel good to both of you.

Play fetch. Cats like this game almost as much as dogs, especially Bombays. Rather than balls, toss items they can easily fit into their small mouths, like toy mice.

Turn the faucet on. Drinking water is good for your cat and is even more fun from a running tap. Plus a flowing stream encourages water play.

Indulge their sense of fun. Receiving a palmetto bug may not be much fun for you, but it’s Kitty-Face’s way of showing you what a great huntress she is and that you’re worthy of her prey. And in the world of kitty, that’s a very big compliment.

All cats are different and you’ll need to get to know the personality of your cat. Speak their language and the two of you will have a long, happy life together! Call us if you have any questions about your cat’s behavior.